London:Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Cynthia Kiang, emphasized the importance of establishing a strategic partnership with the U.K. to enhance bilateral cooperation following an annual economic and trade dialogue in London. According to Focus Taiwan, Kiang highlighted the impact of geopolitical tensions and global supply chain restructuring, which have led to a focus on pragmatic cooperation through "reliable strategic partnerships." She co-hosted the 2026 dialogue with U.K. Minister of State for Trade, Lord Anas Sarwar. These talks, held alternately in Taipei and London since 1991, are a vice ministerial-level engagement aimed at strengthening economic ties. Kiang was accompanied by a delegation of executives from nearly 20 Taiwanese companies, marking the largest such group in a decade. Following the dialogue, these business leaders participated in a roundtable discussion with their U.K. counterparts. Kiang praised the U.K. as a reliable strategic partner, noting shared visions for industr ial development. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has outlined plans to advance five major industries semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense, cybersecurity, and next-generation communications. Concurrently, the U.K. has targeted eight high-growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and clean energy, to bolster its competitiveness. Kiang remarked on the complementary strengths of the two export-oriented economies, emphasizing Taiwan's manufacturing capabilities and the U.K.'s leadership in research and innovation. She noted that mutual trust and benefits could enhance their joint competitiveness in the global market. Lord Sarwar stated that the strong trading relationship between the U.K. and Taiwan is fostering growth, jobs, and investment. The recent trade talks identified new opportunities in digital trade, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Two memoranda of understanding were signed during the dialogue, one between the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and UK Ex port Finance, and another between the bank and Tech UK. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) expects these agreements to facilitate trade and establish a technology exchange platform, combining financial resources and industrial networks for improved cooperation. The MOEA also highlighted that the U.K. is Taiwan's third-largest European trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding US$6.8 billion in 2025. By the end of August, cumulative U.K. investment in Taiwan had surpassed US$16.2 billion. The ministry plans to continue leveraging official dialogues and private sector collaboration to enhance economic resilience.